A Reunion of Classes, Families and Friends

A Reunion of Classes Attempt to Unite the Racially Divided Town of Mullins, South Carolina

Our hometown of Mullins, South Carolina, was integrated in 1971. Graduates of MHS's class of 1972 attempted to reunite the divided town through a class reunion. Individuals such as 1972 Homecoming Queen Retha Pee and Doris Coleman Duren, Miss Leaf.

Friends and Family Unite With Members of the 1972 & 73 Class For A Weekend Celebration

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Classmates of the 1971 and 1972 Classes gathered for a quick photo on Friday evening.

The Mullins High School Class of 1971 & 72 T-Shirts that stated how they were, "In A Class of Our Own."

Deborah and her husband enjoy the barbeque and pool party at Ann and David's house on Friday with their classmates.

Dwight and Anna Page, enjoy the evening at dinner dance.

Terry Scott, served as one of the organizers of this hometown event for various classes. She is also a member of City Council.

Ann Brown Scott, served as Spokeswoman for the dinner dance and fundraiser for scholarships to help graduates of Mullins High School under the Palmetto Fund.

Watis McNeil, received a certificate for his gallant service as photographer and organizer of this special event.

Terry Scott and Thomas Allen Hughes gather for a quick dance and photo.

Howard Long and Carolyn Buie, enjoy a dance and some laughter.

Mother and daughter of ANR Photographers out of Dillon, South Carolina, served as the professional photographers for this event.

Anne Brown Scott and her husband David Scott as well as her sister Carceia and Doris, sponsored the pool party and barbeque on Friday for the classes of 71 & 72.

Jackie Blackman, was our neighbor for years and was a member of the 1972 Class of MHS.

Charles Platt, enjoyed participating in the evening as well..

Timonthy Consar, served as DJ for the evening. He is owner and operator of C and C Express Disco.

A 1972 MHS Graduate with her daughter.

Class members of MHS enjoy a line dance.

Old buddies Terry Scott and Doris, enjoy a quick photo.

Billy Blackmon, a graduate of MHS in 1972 is married to Geraldine Clark Blackmon for more than 44 years.

Angelladywriter, is joined by her sister-in-law Tina, Geraldine and their cousin at this reunion of classes.

Roseann Stackhouse Williams, class of 1971 along with her husband Maurice Williams.

Angelladywriter, with her brother Edward, his wife Tina, her sister Geraldine and their cousin.

Paulette Blake and Geraldine, pose for a quick photo during this MHS reunion.

Another gorgeous classmate that attended this special event.

Ernest Long, decided to show his talent through dance.

The fellas, Jew Legette, Charles Platt and Robert McNeil all worked diligently in cooperation with other classmates to organize this event.

Anne, Doris and Terry, along with numerous others organized this special event for the benefit of education for students at MHS.

Delicious food was served such as fried chicken, pasta salad, mixed vegetables and fresh rolls.

A plate of the delicious food that was served.

An amazing display of fruit salad was available for our eating pleasure.

Levonne Graves, attended this event as well. He served as Magistrate for numerous years.

A mixture of delicious Pasta salad, was on the menu as well.

An array of delectable cupcake were also available for dessert.

Delicious pound cake was also served by the caterers of this facility in Nichols, SC.

My brothers Wardell and Wendell, also attended this MHS event.

Carcia Brown, sister of Ann Brown, worked closely with Ann to make the weekend a success.

Mullins High School Classes of 1972 & 1973 Attempt to Unite the Town of Mullins. SC Racially and Politically

Racial and #political division, has tremendously effected our lives in the past and even today. Our hometown of Mullins, South Carolina's Classes of 1971 and 1972 attempted to ignite a response. Their challenge was to confront and deal with #racial issues and the influence of the status quo. During an interview with #Vice President of the Class of 1972, Doris Coleman Duren, talked about a dispute that developed from some previous class members. "They wanted to hold onto the legacy of Palmetto High because that is all they had until 1971. In 71 when that class graduated that was the start of a whole new era because there was no Palmetto High. So to disregard the legacy and heritage of the Mullins High graduates to me, is an absolutely ridiculous idea. You have got to acknowledge where you came from before you get where you are going."

Why are the experiences of such classmates as Charles Platt, Myron Foxworth, Reatha Pee, Thomas Hughes, Jew Legette, Deborah Johnson, Watis McNeil, Anne Brown, Marverne Vereen, Glendale Owens, Claudette Mullins, Cynthia Ford and Bruce Graves important? The majority of these individuals where the first students to integrate and graduate from Mullins High School which began in 1971. They were some of the first to partake in what was a source of educational progression from Palmetto High which was all black, where tattered books and substandard educational tools existed in comparison to the all white Mullins High School. During this time of integration within Mullins, our family moved to the city of Chester, PA. Our grades and educational level coming from the all black Palmetto High, were some of the highest in our classes. Palmetto High School's all black educational system was not as substandard as we previously assumed.

The sole purpose of this weekend event was to raise funds for the education of Mullins High School graduates in the future. Doris, went on to explain, "Because Mullins High School still exist and its going to be here unless somebody comes along and decides they don't need a school named after the town. We have got to be mindful of the fact that it is not about divisiveness. It is about inclusion and the other thing I think is very sad that in 2016, we are still separating ourselves by race. We invited our Caucasian brothers and sisters, so if they didn't come it is on them. They were certainly invited. All of us went to school together. We got along. We played sports together. We cheered together. We played on the band together and graduated together." Why in 2016 is there so much division in the world today among #races? One graduate of MHS gave this response, "There is so much racial and political division in the world today. God's kingdom that Jesus taught us to pray for in Matthew 6:10 has to be the only solution."

Do Our Leaders Have the Solution to Racial and Political Division?

Unfortunately, too many of our leaders maintain an accusatorial response to racial division. Presidential Candidate #Donald Trump, accused President Obama of ignoring reality, "President Obama thinks the nation is not as divided as people think. He is living in a world of the make believe." #Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Presidential Candidate expressed, "I am going to start talking to white people. I think we are the ones who have to start listening to the legitimate cries that are coming from our African American fellow citizens." Rudy Giuliani, made this blunt statement on #GMA about the #Black Lives Matter movement, "Black lives matter, white lives matter, Asian lives matter, Hispanic lives matter. That's anti-American and its racist." Unfortunately, leaders in the community do not have the vital answers to so many daunting questions.

Will the Pursuit of Additional Education Conquer Violence, Racial and Political Division?

It is commendable that the various classes of Palmetto and Mullins High, work diligently to raise funds every year for the college education of graduates within the city. Will these type of benevolent gestures prepare our children for a world filled with violence, #racial and political division? It was interesting to hear the response of one black male student at Morehouse University. Professor Lamont Hill, explained how some students felt with the best education, "There is this inescapable violence that even when we go to a great school, we are well educated but we can't escape the possibility of violence." In a recent Watchtower article this profound statement was made, "A lasting solution to violence ultimately involves people--their attitudes and behavior. For violent people to change, such traits as pride, greed, and selfishness need to give way to love, respect, and concern for others." Imagine a world where people have genuine love and concern for others regardless of race. A true brotherhood starts with each of us individually. We must be motivated to make changes. "This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments." - 1 John 5:3. What an equitable solution to the problems of racial and political division.

"We Lit the Flame" Was the Theme for the Evening

n Saturday evening, the classes of 1971 and 72, sponsored their official dinner dance and fundraiser. At a quaint location in the town of Nichols, SC classmates, families and friends gathered to support the valiant efforts of their organizers. The program began with a Welcome from Robert McNeil, a member of the 1971 graduating class of Mullins High. There was an opening prayer, Occasion representatives to establish the mood for the evening handled by Deborah Johnson Rothwell and Reatha Pee Davis. A Memorial Tribute was presented for classmates who are deceased which was entitled, "Yes We Remember You." The food was blessed and then it was time for the ultimate dining experience which consisted of a fresh fruit and pasta display. Caterers of the establishment served southern style fried and baked chicken. A variety of mixed vegetables. rice pilaf, sweet tea, coffee and cupcakes as well as pound cake was served for dessert.

After dinner such games were played as Table Trivia and Blast From the Past which consisted of major hits from the 60's and 70's. It was hysterical to see individuals trying to figure out these songs that was a part of their era. Once the games ended it was time for the classes to get down to business. Anne Brown Scott, served as spokesperson to initiate various motions in regards to the funds they had raised and where and how they would be distributed. Charles Platt, made a motion and it was seconded by other class members to donate a certain amount to the Palmetto Association. Suggestions were also established that a Mullins High School Alumni Association, would become a registered non-profit in the future. A free conference call number was presented to keep classes informed about future meetings. It was then time for class members to enjoy some old fashion, boogie down dancing.

The Classes of 1971 and 72 of Mullins High School, had weathered the storms of doubt and opposition. Their determination to set a standard and become "In a class of their own," was accomplished. The innocent young men and women, who stood firm in the early seventies and faced racism, in order to conquer integration were truly now "born again." They had cheered, cried and played music with their fellow white classmates while in attendance at Mullins High. Upon their graduation from this school, they took their guilt-free innocence as teenagers into the world. Now, confronted with the dark prejudicial side of the real world, they returned permeated with wisdom, knowledge and experience as men and women. Never defeated by the fact that not one single white classmate accepted their invitation to celebrate and unite with them.

These MHS classes of 1971 & 72 pushed forward and organized within a few months, a successful pool party and barbeque on Friday at the Scott's home. Participated in the town's July 4th, weekend parade on Saturday with a fancy float; paid for by one of the class members, Jerry Jacobs. Saturday, evening was the ultimate source of unity as they created a classy affair, filled with delectable food, dancing and good association with families and friends. On Sunday, after religious services, some gathered at the battle for fundraising toward scholarships for future grads from MHS through the Palmetto High Alumni Scholarship Fund.

These chaste grads of Mullins High School in 1971 and 72, had become determined men and women, who had withstood a barrage of assaults throughout their lives. Yet, they returned stalwart and resolute to move forward and set a precedent for other grads of Mullins High School, regardless of the racial and political division that surrounds them daily. Good job, classes of 1971 and 72 of Mullins High School.

A Reunion of Classmates from Palmetto and Mullins High School from the 1960's Onward

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Attendees of the parade that ended in the park that is downtown Mullins. Various classes from Palmetto High and Mullins High, enjoyed a feast in the park after the parade.

A sign on one of the cars within the parade which the Class of 1960 was represented.

The MHS T-Shirt that was designed by Thomas Hughes, with the assistance of others.

Mullins High Cheerleaders, were a part of the parade as well.

This amazing little drummer was also a part of the parade on Saturday.

Miss Leaf Doris Coleman Duren and Homecoming Queen for 1972 Retha Pee, take time for a brief interview with my sister Paulette.

Terry Scott, serves on the City Council of Mullins. She talked about hope for the future of Mullins, SC.

The three Foxworth brothers, Deanie, Jarret and Myron. Doris, expressed how brilliant each of these men are. Along with their brother Bruno, they mastered such fields as science, education and accounting. Myron, even scored the top numbers on his SAT

An old photo of the tobacco market in Mullins which was one of the largest in the world.

Our dear sister Linda Ellerby, who accommodates us along with her husband Randolph, during our visit to Mullins, SC our hometown.

This couple enjoyed the cookout in the park as well.

A banner displaying the 1966 Bulldogs which was the symbol for Palmetto High School during the 60's to 1971 when Palmetto was integrated with Mullins High School.

A police car from Mullins, SC rode in the parade on Saturday as well.

Graduates of MHS during the years of 1999 Keith Bridges and Kenny Gerald. Gary Johnson, a graduate of MHS in 2005 also spoke with me briefly.

The float departed after the parade was completed.

One of the T-Shirts for our old school Palmetto which is now a middle school in the city of Mullins.

Daisy Jackson, graduated from Palmetto High during the 60's. She is a very successful business woman that continues to demonstrate a vested interest in the welfare of her hometown of Mullins.

The last house our family resided in before moving to Pennsylvania in 1971 which was the same year Mullins High School was integrated with Palmetto High.

This lovely lady, helped us with some of our home town's history as well.

Mayo Phillips, a graduate of Palmetto, talked with us about how the riots and demonstrations were started when a black youth went into Mullins Grill to eat, where blacks could only be served through the window.

Randolph as well as numerous others shared their experiences during those very difficult years of continuous racism.

Elijah Canty and his wife Carolyn, made sure they attended this event in the park as well.

LeVonne Graves, served as magistrate previously. He also had some experiences about his father Laurence Graves, (now deceased) who served as a carpenter throughout the town of Mullins.

My nieces Sharon Smith and Joyce Platt along with their sister Wanda Faye, joined us for a quick interview and photo before leaving the park.

The yearbook of one of the graduates of the first class to integrate Mullins High in 1971. The yearbook was entitled, "The Leaf."

Carolyn Canty, along with members of her family joined in the festivities at the park.

The town's public library located downtown Mullins, SC.

Motorcycles were displayed by class members from Palmetto High School, during the cookout in the park.

This gentleman also shared some of the historical facts of Mullins as well.

Our cousin George, came with his son Deon, in his little red corvette to the cookout in the park.

Line dancing was performed in the park during the cookout.

Deanie Foxworth, takes a quick photo with his son while in the park.

Dorothy Jackson, spoke with Doris about growing up in our hometown of Mullins, SC.

A hat of balloons were displayed on the cookout participant as other young people looked on.

These guys talked about why they return every year for this special event. They talked about Coach Gerald (now deceased) that everybody looked up to.

On our way down south we stopped at Cracker Barrel for breakfast.

Each of us had the sunrise sampler breakfast which was an abundance of delicious food. Christina, was our server.

The main entrance of Cracker Barrel in North Carolina.

Fields of tobacco were outside of the city of Mullins. During the riots more than 3.5 million dollars worth of tobacco was burned in protest of racial discrimination within the town.

South of the Border's tall hat that welcomes you upon your arrival in Dillon, SC.

Graduates, Family and Friends Gathered in the Park For A Source of Unity and Inspiration

sOn Saturday, afternoon once the parade had concluded, classmates of Palmetto High and Mullins High gathered in the park. This is an annual event for residents to catch up on who is doing what or who is now deceased. Our older sisters and brothers often spoke about this annual event which is usually held during the July 4th weekend. It was interesting to put the names with faces of individuals, they of spoke of. Such prominent names as Daisy and Dorothy Jackson, Mayo Phillips, Leon Phillips and Cheryl Hodge. We also had the enormous pleasure of interviewing Jarret Foxworth, who was a consummate of historical figures in Mullins. He gave us the history of every teacher or resident that served in various wars. Jarret, also spoke about how his brother Berno, was a major source of the 1969 demonstrations in Mullins.

Our cousins Bruce Graves and LeVonne Graves were present with their historical accounts as well. Our nieces Sharon and Joyce, gave beautiful historical accounts of events concerning the demonstrations and how integration of our schools was not accepted by blacks either. It was intriguing to hear the various accounts of family history that is always a reminder of our origins. People of all ages gathered as a live band played and smooth R&B music flowed from the DJ.

The alluring smells of barbeque, fried fish, hotdogs and hamburgers filled the air. Cold drinks were available for consumption because the southern heat was intense as usual. The association with family, old high school friends and neighbors, made the heat tolerable. The uninvited guests for this event were the flies, mosquitoes and other small flying creatures. Even they became tolerable after sharing laughter, hugs and kisses with family and friends. The cookout in the park of downtown Mullins was a tremendous success as well.

Randolph Ellerby and Others Remind Us of the Racial Division Within Mullins, South Carolina During the late 60's

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Randolph Ellerby, was a part of the demonstrations during 1969 when other black youths fought for their human rights in the town of Mullins.

Our sister Linda Ellerby, the wife of Randolph prepared a delectable meal as we gathered around the table to listen to the experiences of racial division in our hometown of Mullins.

On Friday, we had a candlelight dinner of delicious fried fish, corn on the cob, cold slaw, sweet tea and cornbread as Randolph shared his previous experience.

The high school photo of Randolph Ellerby, who was a graduate of Palmetto High School.

Fresh White corn was a part of our menu for dinner at the Ellerby's.

An old stamp collection and other memoirs from Randolph's youthful days in Mullins.

A photo of those tobacco markets which caused Mullins to be one of the largest in the world.

The commerce building that is in the center of downtown Mullins which was there during the demonstrations in the 60's..

Randolph stands in front of his home in North Carolina, holding a photo of the tobacco markets that was burned during the riots in Mullins.

Bishop Ellerby, painfully remembers what occurred when he was beaten and arrested during the demonstrations.

A painting hangs to remind of the days we picked cotton in the south. This painting is in the house of Randolph and Linda Ellerby.

Our sister Earlene and her husband Alexander, joined us for a family dinner at Texas Road House on Sunday afternoon. This was a culmination of our weekend.

A photo of Texas Roadhouse in North Carolina, where the best steaks are served.

Darron and Christian, are the grandchildren of Linda & Randolph. They have the privilege of hearing the experiences of their grandfather during 1969.

Phillip, is the husband of Tenea. They joined us at the Ellerby's for a quick family gathering before we left North Carolina.

Layla, the granddaughter of the Ellerby's.

Tenea, is the only child and daughter of Linda. She often get to hear the experiences of Randolph.

A juicy ribeye steak covered with mushrooms and onions was one of the meals we had at Texas Roadhouse.

It was an Esso Gas Station in Mullins, where Randolph Ellerby, went to change his clothes in a white only bathroom. This caused him to be arrested.

We prepared a delicious fried fish dinner on Friday. This is where Randolph's experiences during the demonstrations were shared with us.

Are We A World Divided by Racism? What are the Solutions?

The History of Those Who Fought for the Human Rights of Mullins' Black Citizen

On Friday morning, we stopped for a delicious Sunrise Sampler breakfast, at Cracker Barrel in North Carolina. The very hospitable Christina, served us southern style bacon, eggs. sausage. country ham, hash browns and fried apples. It completely escaped our memories that in the south, black people had fought for that privilege to eat in public places. After we gorged ourselves, our ultimate focus was to arrive at our sister Linda and her husband Randolph's home. Upon our arrival, we thanked our Heavenly Father Jehovah, because an abundance of tickets were distributed by state troopers to other drivers, from the time we left Pennsylvania, all the way to North Carolina. We never fathomed, days later we would be reeling in issues of racism and #police shootings of blacks.

Later, that evening at our sister's home in North Carolina, we prepared an appetizing, candlelit dinner that consisted of cold slaw, fried fish, fresh corn on the cob, sweet tea and chocolate cake for dessert. After the food was blessed, Randolph quietly sat at the head of his dinner. He had thoroughly enjoyed his delicious dinner but the intensity of his eyes, revealed memories that had to be disclosed. Our hometown of Mullins, South Carolina had lingering memories of painful experiences that now Bishop Randolph Ellerby, more than forty five years later never forgot. "The town was made different but it took some bloodshed," he stated. Randolph, gave a spine tingling description in the video entitled, Historical Revelations Concerning A Fight for Legal Right Within Our Hometown of Mullins, South Carolina that appears in this segment. His personal experience is unforgettable and inspirational.

Randolph Ellerby, around the age of 16 went into the wrong bathroom at Esso Gas Station, in Mullins, SC. He was black and because Randolph had been in the north working a job, he forgot that in Mullins, during the late 60's he could not go into a bathroom that was designated as "Whites Only." Mr. Ellerby's, decision caused him to be arrested because they felt he had broken the law. During this time Blacks were not allowed in public restaurants, stores or other public facilities during the 60's in Mullins, South Carolina which is our hometown. Randolph, explains powerfully, that they fought as teenagers to acquire rights that classes such as MHS 1971 and 72 took advantage of. May we never forget what people before us fought for, in order for us to have the freedoms we have today. Their beatings, imprisonment and disrespect for black individuals continues even today which is a source of destruction for us all. May we find that common ground with the comprehension that we are all humans who make mistakes and that is where forgiveness must be considered. May we find the room for love and forgiveness. Go to jw.org for more information on forgiveness and prayer for our enemies as well. With these considerations, we can stand before our Heavenly Father in prayer, as we attempt to be the very best person we can be.

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Claudette Coleman Carter 12 months agofrom Media, Pennsylvania

Hi Linda,

Thanks for your comment. The reflections were inspirational to me as well. I thought Randolph's ability to remember and explain his experience was compelling. Good job on his part. This was truly a memorable weekend.